The only confirmed members are Tucker and band leader/guitarist Trey Azagthoth. The album will be the first full length since the polarizing 2011 release "Illud Divinum Insanus" (reviewed here).

As for the direction of the new album, in a 2015 interview with Jet, Steve Tucker expressed his desires: "All I know is I'm back in Morbid Angel to do a death metal album. I mean, I expect the album to be full-on death metal. I mean, I expect there to… Obviously, it's a Morbid Angel album, there'll be twists and turns on the album, there'll be stuff that's different, but I think it being aggressive and it being underground is really what it's gonna be about. I think that Morbid Angel is a death metal band, and that's what this album — this next one — will be."

The Swiss metal pioneers from Coroner - whose lineup currently consists of Tommy Vetterli (guitar), Diego Rapacchietti (drums) and Ron Broder (bass/vocals) - are heading back into the studio for the first time in over two decades.

The band originally made a name for itself in the underground music scene with a discerning brand of technical thrash metal. Now, after 23 long years since the release of the band's last album "Grin," (1993), Coroner is pleased to announce plans to release a new studio album with Sony Music and Century Media Records in 2017.

For this seventh studio album, Coroner signed a worldwide record deal with Sony Music Switzerland, which has enlisted the help of Century Media Records, who will release the new record internationally.

For fans whom simply cannot wait for their next fix, Coroner has a special treat in store with "Autopsy," a 3 x Blu-ray + LP or a 3 x DVD + CD set that is jam-packed with live recordings, a documentary movie of the band's history, previously unseen interviews and a best-of compilation, all set to see the light of day on September 23rd, 2016. More...

"No word can start to describe the feeling of utter pain and absolute sadness that’s flooding our hearts while writing these lines in what’s a miserable attempt to pen a tribute to one of our artists who passed away yesterday night.

"He was joy. He was positivity, optimism. He was love. He was party. He was honesty. He was respect. He was absolute friendship. And he’s no more and no one will ever replace him in that special place he had in our hearts.

"Mika Bleu, ex-Season of Mist and current Hiraw Clothing staff member, singer for Miserable Failure and Blobfish Killer aged 34 only, died yesterday in the streets of Maureillas, France, ran over by a car whose drunk driver cowardly fled away. Mika’s girlfriend is still hospitalized as we speak and a friend of them got lightly injured too.

"We have no word, really… Our thoughts are with his countless friends, his relatives and his family. He’s most surely partying hard with Satan as we speak. All hail Bleu. We love you, wherever you are, whatever you do. We wish all the best to his girlfriend, Fanny, in the hope she’ll get well in no time." More...

Last night pop metal icon Babymetal and Judas Priest's legendary vocalist Rob Halford came together for the third annual Journey's Alternative Press Music Awards, fueled by Monster Energy.

The performance, which featured Babymetal's Su-Metal and Halford's dueling vocals on Judas Priest classics "Painkiller" and "Breaking The Law," officially saw the meeting of the Fox God and the Metal God. Check out footage below. More...

2016 marks the monumental return of Sweden's Opeth as the band's 12th album, "Sorceress," will be released on September 30th. Check out the cover artwork reveal below.

"Sorceress" is the Opeth's first album for Nuclear Blast via the band’s imprint label Moderbolaget Records.

”The new album 'Sorceress' is our 12th studio album since our beginnings in 1990,” says Åkerfeldt. “I find it difficult to understand that we’ve been going on for 26 years, let alone that we’ve made 12 records now, all of which I am very proud of. 'Sorceress' is no exception. I love this album, as does the whole band. I wrote the music during 5-6 months and we spent only 12 days recording it at Rockfield studios in Wales. I find that once again we’ve taken a step forward. Or sideways, Or backwards. Somewhere!?

"It’s different! It’s extremely diverse. And if I may say so myself, extremely good. I feel the right to say that since I like to think I know this band better than anyone on the planet. Also, I always manage to detach myself from the record and listen as a fan. It’s a fine little record. My favorite in our discography right now. Of course. That’s how it should be, right? It’s both fresh and old, both progressive and rehashed. Heavy and calm. Just the way we like it. Hopefully there’ll be others around the globe sharing this opinion. It was a joy to make it. A fucking joy to record it, and a sheer joy listening to it. So there you have it!” More...

Apparently, the symphonic / metal combo of Nightwish just keeps popping up absolutely everywhere - even in sports!

The Australian national team of synchronized swimmers just announced that they will be using the classical hymn "Last Ride Of The Day" off Nightwish album "Imaginaerum" for their competition at the Olympic Championship.

The track will be played in an orchestral version during the swim performance of the team in Rio de Janeiro. The band feels very honoured and wishes good luck to the entire team!

Megadeth has now officially recruited Ex-Soilwork drummer Dirk Verbeuren as a permanent new member of the band. Verbeuren has also exited Soilwork for this opportunity. States the band in the following press release:

"Megadeth are happy to announce the addition of Dirk Verbeuren as the band’s new drummer. Verbeuren, formerly of Swedish metal band Soilwork, has been performing with the band for months, his first show was Rock on the Range festival in May, to a crowd of 40,000 concertgoers.

"Most recently, Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler had performed all the drums on the band’s latest album, Dystopia, and had toured with Megadeth when not otherwise busy with his band."

Said bandleader Dave Mustaine: “Chris Adler‘s contributions are sure to be felt for years to come. Megadeth has been revitalized by Chris‘ playing, as well as his excellent suggestion of Dirk Verbeuren to drum with us. Tremendous thanks to Chris, and a big welcome to Dirk.”

New drummer Verbeuren had this to say: “Dave, David and Kiko, I’m thankful for your warm welcome and thrilled at the opportunity to perform and create badass music with you guys. Chris Adler, thank you for introducing me to Megadeth – and for your encouragement and support.” More...

After cancelling some shows due to the outrage over the white power outburst and Pepper going full force with COC, Philip Anslemo recently addressed the future of Down at the Diamond Pub Concert Hall in Louisville, Kentucky.

“I think between myself, Patrick Bruders and one James Bower from EyeHateGod… We haven’t seen much of Pepper, because he’s obviously been busy with COC. That’s the freedom that rock and roll brings. So, yeah, we’re all kind of doing our own things but we always come back together because Black Sabbath, Trouble and Saint Vitus bring us back together, and that’s where we started from, you know what I’m saying?”

Down has now confirmed to play the Psycho Las Vegas music festival taking place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 26th-28th 2016. More info can be found here. There are no other confirmed shows at the moment.

You can check out an audio recording of some of the Anselmo question-and-answer session in Louisville by listening to the “Talk Toomey” podcast at this location. More...

The legendary bay area thrash metal giants Testament just announced the title and release date for an upcoming 12th album.

New full-length release "The Brotherhood Of The Snake" is slated to arrive on October 28th, 2016 via Nuclear Blast.

The album was recorded under the watchful eye of producer Juan Urteaga (Exodus, Heathen, Machine Head), guitarist Eric Peterson and singer Chuck Billy - and is currently being mixed and mastered by well-known metal producer Andy Sneap (Accept, Arch Enemy, Cradle Of Filth, Kreator, Machine Head, Megadeth).

Eric Peterson commented in an interview with Metal Maniac: "It's very diverse, but it's very epic. There's nothing on there that breeds commercial. And I think for thirty years of recording music and trying different formulas and stuff, we've found a formula that is very metal. I think for the metal fan that is looking for something, for the nook and crannies… not just your normal, 'Oh, it's got a thrash beat and a riff.' There's a lot going on here."

The songwriter also told Metal Forces in another interview: "It's different. This one is more thrash. I mean, this has got some of the fastest stuff that we have ever played. Usually, we have one or two thrash songs, and then we have some mid-tempo, and then we have a slow, heavy one, and then up-tempo kind of stuff. Half of the new record is thrash, which we've never done before."

He continued: "It's kind of like ‘Demonic’ and ‘The Gathering’, but a little bit wiser, I think. Chuck's not singing so death. I mean, he does some death stuff but he's singing more like he did on the last record and then with the craziness of ‘The Gathering’ or even heavy stuff like ‘Demonic.'" More...

After many, many delays, Norway's Ancient has (finally) set the release date for long-awaited 7th studio album, "Back To The Land Of The Dead," which is the follow up to 2004’s "Night Visit."

The album will be released September 16th in North America via EMP Underground (the label run by David Ellefson) and in the rest of the World by Soulseller Records.

The album is currently available for pre-order (in North America only) in various configurations at this location. You can also check out the opening track below, while the full track listing is:

1. Land of The Dead (Music by Dhilorz, lyrics by Dhilorz and Zel)2. Beyond The Blood Moon (Music and lyrics by Zel)3. The Sempiternal Haze (Music by Dhilorz, lyrics by Zel)4. The Empyrean Sword (Music by Dhilorz, lyrics by Zel)5. The Ancient Disarray (Music and lyrics by Zel)6. Occlude The Gates (Music by Dhilorz, lyrics by Zel)

The Excruciating Journey

7. Part I Defiance and rage (Music by Dhilorz, lyrics by Zel)8. Part II The Prodigal Years (Music by Dhilorz, lyrics by Zel)9. Part III The Awakening (Music by Dhilorz, lyrics by Zel)10. Death Will Die (Music and lyrics by Zel)11. The Spiral (Music and lyrics by Zel)12. Petrified By Their End (Music by Dhilorz and Zel, lyrics by Zel)Bonus track :13. 13 Candles (Music and lyrics by Quorthon) More...

Roadrunner Records’ group Gojira just returned with new LP "Magma" to take the #1 spot on Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums chart.

The release of "Magma' marks the highest chart debuts of Gojira’s career, landing at #4 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart, #6 on Billboard’s Tastemaker Albums chart and Top 25 on the Billboard 200.

Furthermore, Gojira earned career-high chart positions around the globe including Top 10’s in France, Canada, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, and Norway with Top 15 debuts in Australia and Germany.

Gojira commented on the momentous occasion stating, “We want to thank the Gojira fans across the globe who helped us achieve many firsts with the release of 'Magma' We couldn't be more proud and grateful." More...

Evergrey is celebrating a 20th anniversary with new album "The Storm Within" coming on September 9th, 2016.

"We went from having no intention of making an album at all to having all the inspiration in the world on 'Hymns For The Broken,'" says Tom S. Englund. “But, honestly, we've never felt better. 'The Storm Within' is a massive album. There are no fillers on it and we've never been about that. I think the inspiration speaks for itself."

Englund considers the storyline behind the lyrics to be one of the biggest concepts Evergrey has ever tackled, based on something that everyone can relate to: having someone, losing them, and having to pick yourself up and move on. He goes so far as to call it the band's first "love" album, but it's not a subject that should be taken lightly in the Evergrey universe.

"As usual, the lyrics are based on someone or some event in my life," says Englund. "When we were making this album a lot of these relationship issues were going on around me; people losing a partner or a loved one and grieving. 'The Storm Within' is about a search for identity, trying to make yourself full when you feel half empty, and I placed that storyline in an interstellar world."

Nightwish vocalist Floor Jansen appears on seventh track "In Orbit," Englund commenting: "That was actually my wife (Carina Englund) thinking for me. Floor is a personal friend and major Evergrey fan, so it was over a glass of wine between her and my wife, who asked her if she wanted to do the song. 'In Orbit' is a powerhouse of a song and it would be easy to make it the first single, but it's not the first impression we want to make. That said, it would be stupid not to release it as a single, and if we could get Floor to do the video, that would be a home run."

Speaking of Englund's better half Carina, she reprises her ongoing role as Evergrey's secret weapon on every album, contributing vocals this time out to the song "The Paradox Of The Flame." In addition, Evergrey renewed the band's partnership with critically acclaimed video director Patric Ullaeus for "The Storm Within." Three stellar clips were shot and, in a huge promotional push, are slated to hit the internet leading up to the official album release. More...

Decapitated has announced legal action is now underway against former label Earache Records.

The band alleges that Earache hasn't paid a penny in royalties for years despite putting out four releases as the contract stipulated ("Nihility," "The Negation," "Organic Hallucinosis," and "Tribute to Vitek.")

To raise funds for the legal fees, Decapitated is also releasing a limited edition shirt. The band comments:

"We have released a brand new ’20 Years of Madness’ t-shirt to help raise legal funds to get our catalogue back from Earache Records - check the video for the full story below."

Fans can pick up the "20 Years of Madness" shirt or hoodie at this location. Here's the video announcement from Decapitated: More...

Napalm Records is proud and honored to announce the signing of U.S. thrash band Warbringer. Started in 2004 by high school metal heads, the members of Los Angeles' own Warbringer have made their way up through the metal scene in the interveneing years.

After four releases and an endless succession of tours with the likes of Arch Enemy, Exodus, Suicide Silence, Megadeth, Napalm Death, Iced Earth, Kreator to name just a few, this hard working five-piece is ready to take the next step together with Napalm Records.

John Kevill, front man of Warbringer, comments on the signing: "We are excited to announce a new record deal with Napalm Records! We have been writing for the last couple months, the riffs are flowing and the new material is sounding goddamn lethal. We are planning to record at the end of summer and release it early next year, followed by a full worldwide touring campaign. The writing is being led by longtime members drummer Carlos Cruz and guitarist Adam Carroll, as well as myself, and we are being joined by Chase Becker on the lead guitar and Jessie Sanchez dropping the bass-hammer.

"I've been on a mission to make this record for three years since 'Empires...' was released, and it's great to see it finally coming to fruition. Thank you all the people at Napalm Records for their interest in the band, and thank you to the fans for your continued and undying support, We'll see you out there next year. Keep it heavy my friends! Signing off." More...

Update: a brief snippet from the new album in a recording video has now come online and can be heard right here.

Nuclear Blast Entertainment is very pleased to announce the signing of Swedish band Opeth. The label comments:

"Always an unstoppable force for uniqueness amid a sea of generic swill, Opeth have been setting the rulebook ablaze, and ploughing a uniquely progressive and exploratory furrow for over 25 years now. Neither conforming nor exhibiting any desire to be restricted to a single genre, Opeth, quite simply, have a time honored tradition of blowing our minds with both class and forward thinking. All these years later, nothing and everything has changed once again with their forthcoming album 'Sorceress.'"

"We're happy to confirm that we have indeed signed a deal with Nuclear Blast Entertainment and will be putting out our 12th studio album 'Sorceress' via our own imprint, Moderbolaget Records," states Mikael Åkerfeldt. "The decision was made in Markus Staiger's (Nuclear Blast kingpin) ridiculously potent Porsche going at 150 mph somewhere in the south of Germany. We're happy to be part of the NB team and look forward to a fruitful relationship."

Nuclear Blast owner, Markus Staiger, continues: "I am honored that Opeth have joined the Nuclear Blast family. Mikael Åkerfeldt and his fellow bandmates have demonstrated time and time again that Opeth are a band that never release an album that sounds the same. You never know what their new music will sound like! Nuclear Blast has been following the musical journey of Opeth from the beginning with 'Orchid' to landmark albums like 'Still Life,' 'Deliverance,' 'Damnation,' and 'Blackwater Park,' right up to 2014's 'Pale Communion!' The band have become one of the most challenging artists in rock music today. It is not often that we get to work with musicians of their caliber and I'm thrilled to have such a unique genre-leader on the label. The future for Opeth and Nuclear Blast looks very bright." More...

Much like after the terrorist attack in Paris at Bataclan, metal bands from around the globe have issued statements in support of the victims of the recent mass shooting in Florida, as well as releasing rainbow-themed merch with profits going towards charities to help the survivors.

The Demoliton Man Tony Dolan, frontman for Venom Inc., has issued the following statement regarding the tragic attack in Orlando at the Pulse night club this weekend:

"Currently we are touring North America again. The diversity of people makes me feel proud to be a citizen of the world in the most amazing countries that have a real pride in who they are and what they stand for! Yet still this terror over religious affiliations exist. We get stopped from playing a shown 'cause we are satanic, but now a murderous spree happens in Florida where innocent people are killed for doing nothing more than being in a land that holds true value on freedom.

"It could be despairing and my heart goes to those dead and their families. Humans create such atrocities but we cannot and must not give in to terror...fear is hiding away....let them feel the wrath of our strength! An eye for an eye...but innocents must not be the target. That would serve to make us like them and WE are more than that." More...

Following unplanned surgery for Corey Taylor, Slipknot has rescheduled the start of the band's upcoming tour with Marilyn Manson and Of Mice & Men.

The first 12 dates on the tour have been delayed and are rescheduled for August. The tour will now start on June 28th in Nashville, TN.

Tickets for affected dates will be honored for the rescheduled dates unless noted with an asterisk below. No action is needed in these markets.

In Denver and Las Vegas, tickets for the previous show dates must be refunded and repurchased. Refunds will be available at original point of purchase. Purchasers will be offered an early buying opportunity for tickets to the rescheduled show at the new venue on the new date. More...

The Tbilisi Jam Fest in Georgia (the country, not the state) was apparently shut down last night by religious protesters. The Ukraine-based band Jinjer comments:

"Well, friends, there is some bad news worth sharing!!! For the first time over several years Jinjer's performance was cancelled today due to the attack by religious fanatics. Tbilisi JAM Fest was disrupted because the monastery not far away (about 1 km away) didn't like it, the priests brought an angry crowd of believers and assaulted the festival area!!!

"Even though the festival had all necessary permissions by local authorities, the fanatics just cut off the electricity. The most shocking was that the police was just standing aside and watching... It is sad to realize that in Georgia, the country which seemed to be civilized, RELIGION has MORE POWER than the LAW.

"We really hope that the orginizers will be able to find an alternative location and JINJER will be albe to play tomorrow before we fly back to Ukraine."

The show is apparently being rescheduled for tonight, however, with the organizers of the festival posting this message online: "Tbilisi JAM! Fest 2016 WILL be held tonight! Preventive measures (during preparational period) make us reveal the location a bit later. Get ready to have fun and lots of good music!" More...

White Empress has parted ways with vocalist Mary Zimmer as work begins on a new album. The band comments:

"Morning guys. Heads up that new stuff will be up very very soon. First up will be the new photo shoot we did for the new direction, track and video to follow. We are just about to start writing the new album (we are all very excited about the new direction) to come out on Peaceville Records. Once that is done festivals will be booked. Ill keep you all posted to the very awesome future that is install for WE. New management, new booking and new blood, damn awesome. You will LOVE it!!!!!"

Mary Zimmer also issued this statement (see video below) on her Facebook page: "So, it's not easy for me to post this but the attached video is me announcing my resignation as the singer for White Empress. It was not an easy decision to leave the band, but it was necessary. I decided to make a video for you guys so that you could actually hear the tone of my voice as I'm speaking about my reasons. My most poignant statements are toward the end of the video. This time, I'm not giving up or taking a break from music like I did for the years between Luna Mortis and White Empress. I'm launching a new band right away with Erik EazyTattoos Lockaby called Santa Marta: The Band and the first video teaser is at the end of my video below. Also you can click on the link and check out the band page and more.

"Please watch this video to see what I have to say...I do mention this in the video but though I have left, I did still complete the upcoming EP for White Empress with photos and videos. I've already told them that I'd be fine if they wanted to release the EP with me on it, though, I have officially resigned. Basically I wasn't planning on quitting, so I'd love to see the hard work and time we put into the EP come to fruition, regardless. Largely, I'm cool with everyone in the band still and I'd like it if you'd still show them your support and avoid the online shit-talking. Please especially show your support to Adam Sagan as he continues his battle with cancer. Thank you all so much for everything and here's what I have to say:" More...

Temples Festival - which was due to take place in early June and feature such outfits as Mayhem, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, and Carcass - has now officially been cancelled. This news arrives after several bands pulled out over the weekend, citing a lack of flight deposits, visas, and other pre-arrangements never being met. Festival organizer Francis Mace just posted this message online:

"After an arduous 48 hours of uncertainty, and with deepest reluctance we have been forced to cancel Temples Festival 2016. At the beginning of last week, the organisation we had onboard to finance the event pulled their funding, and with limited access to advance ticket sales and no sponsors to back us we have been unable to source the funding required to cover the overheads which would allow Temples Festival to go ahead.

"Following Temples 2015, we were left with a sizeable debt and as opposed to dissolving the company and declaring bankruptcy - I decided to take on the debts personally and subsequently pay off all our creditors in installments as quickly as possible, this meant bands, staff and contractors were all paid late - and it's had a crippling effect on both my professional and personal life as a whole - truth be told, I made a series of bad business decisions and dealt with the situation very poorly - which I take full accountability for.

"I've spent the past week trying to gain access to the funds we need to make this year work and avoid the problems we encountered following last year's event, with our financiers pulling their involvement - it's been an uphill battle, which I've fought to the best of my abilities - and unfortunately, have been defeated.

"Over the past weekend, I've been attempting to produce the festival's continuation on a 'scaled down' level so we can offer something for those of you who have purchased tickets, accommodation, transport etc and allow the bands who are touring, UK based etc - unfortunately this morning it became clear that even if we were to proceed as such, we'd be left with another huge debt and therefore unable to pay the bands, staff, venue, contractors and a number of other crucial overheads the festival relies on - thus repeating the mistakes that were made last year. More...